Postdoctoral Fellow - SOM Internal Medicine - Hematology, Oncology, & Palliative Care

Postdoctoral Fellow

School of Medicine, Internal Medicine - Hematology, Oncology & Palliative Care

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine is a premier academic medical center located in the heart of Richmond. Accounting for almost half of VCU’s sponsored research, the School of Medicine is internationally recognized for patient care and education. VCU School of Medicine comprises 18 clinical departments, eight basic health science departments, and 11 affiliated institutes and centers, and provides preeminent education to physicians and scientists in order to improve the quality of healthcare for humanity.

A Postdoctoral Fellowship position under the mentorship of Venkata Lokesh Battula, Ph.D., is available to study Acute Myeloid Leukemia. The laboratory is studying the role of cancer stem cells in breast cancer progression. We are interested in the development of immunotherapy targeting ganglioside GD2 in breast cancer as a part of DoD funded projects. Postdoctoral Fellows are responsible for conducting the in vitro immune cell cytotoxicity assays as well in vivo tumor growth studies. Candidates must have a doctoral degree with 0-2 years of postdoctoral experience. Preference will be given to candidates with previous experience with drug discovery/development, cell-based cytotoxicity assays including flow cytometry, IncuCyte, mouse models, cancer and immune cell biology, basic cell culture, and imaging skills. Candidates are expected to be self-motivated and have excellent writing and communication skills.

Please see below for other information about the position:

• Salary based on NIH scale for postdoctoral stipends.
  
• The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.
• Collaborative and inclusive research environment
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and resource
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement
• Located in the vibrant city of Richmond, Virginia

This position will remain open until filled.

Position Responsibilities:

The potential candidate is expected to quickly learn various tissue culture techniques, immune cell assays, and molecular assays including qRT-PCR, western blotting, ELISA that we routinely use in our laboratory. Also, we have several animal models including patient-derived xenografts that need to be maintained and used for translational research. A thorough understanding of cancer biology, drug development, and immunobiology is appreciated.

Required Qualifications:

• Candidates should be self-motivated, career oriented, and should be capable of troubleshooting immunology, molecular, cellular, ex vivo, and in vivo studies. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, multiple publications, and strong reference letters are required.
• Ph.D. degree in a life science (cellular or molecular biology) within the last three years of matriculation.
• Research experience and an excellent knowledgebase in biochemical, metabolic, and signaling process as they relate to cancer.
• The applicant should enjoy providing a training role for students and other coworkers and should be open to scientific collaboration within the institution as well as outside the institution.
• The candidate should possess excellent written and spoken (English) communication skills and should be able to present scientific data at international meetings.
• Possess high levels of independence, scientific rigor and critical thinking.
• The ability to effectively collaborate with individuals across a range of disciplines, including clinicians and scientists.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in solid tumors, working with suspension and adherent cancer cell lines, the quantitative measurement of mRNA expression, flow cytometry, primary lymphocyte isolation from peripheral blood, big data analysis, and/or the use of animal models would be a plus.
• A PhD in oncology/immunology is preferred. Other relevant domains such as cancer biology, molecular and cellular biology are also accepted.

Benefits:
Full-time employees at VCU have available a variety of benefits options that include group health, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement plans, flexible reimbursement accounts, a 403(b) tax-deferred annuity and 457 deferred compensation plans. Detailed information about each benefit can be found at https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/benefits/postdoctoral-employee-benefits/

Additional Information:
Position is for one (1) year, with the possibility for renewal pending successful performance review.

This is a restricted position with no set end date and continued employment is dependent upon project needs, availability of funds, and performance.

Please note that if you are employed as a university employee working in any of the health system's facilities, you will need to follow VCU Health System policies, which will include but will not be limited to, vaccination requirements.

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability.

The School of Medicine continuously strives for our workplace and learning environment to reflect the demographic and social milieu of the communities we serve. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.